Tips on Buying an Effective Alarm System

However, before buying a home alarm system you need to understand the requirements of your particular home. Summarized below are a few items you should consider before buying an alarm system for your home. Grab a pencil and paper and get ready to take some notes.

First, determine how many entrances to your home that you feel need to be part of an effective home alarm system. Include both doors and windows that are susceptible to burglars, e.g. windows at ground level. The number of entrances to your home gives you an idea of how sophisticated an alarm system you’ll need for your home. It may also make a difference in determining whether or not to purchase a wired or wireless home alarm system. Second, determine what type of sensor technology you’d like to see in your home as part of a home alarm system. Most homeowners choose a combination of contact sensors, motion sensors and infrared sensors.

Make sure if you have pets that the motion sensors are located high enough up off the floor that they won’t trip them. Similarly make sure to locate infrared sensors in areas such that they won’t be accidently tripped by heat sources.

Third, determine where you’d like to locate the control panel and the key pads. Typically they should be located where you normally enter the house at.

Fourth, based upon the number of entrances to your home, determine if you want to install a home alarm system yourself or hire a professional company. For a more robust system it’s best to hire a professional. Check with your local police department for recommendations on a locally good home security company. You can also talk to folks at the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) for recommendations.

Any home security company that is reputable should give you a free quote. Make sure to ask lots of questions regarding the quotes to understand the reasons why they recommended particular home security systems and the various related sensors. Often professionally installed home security systems come with a 24/7 monitoring system call center. There is a monthly fee associated with these types of services, however they offer the comfort of knowing that if an alarm condition does go off at your house that they will check it out quickly. Alternatively you can install your own home security system. They are usually less complex and don’t offer as many sensor inputs as what the professional home security companies offer. But this said, the do it yourself wireless home security systems can be pretty effective, and they are very affordable. These types of home security systems have the ability to dial a series of phone numbers to let you and others know when there is something amiss at your home. However, if a burglar cuts the phone line to your home this feature is rendered useless.

After considering all these items you should now be better prepared to choose an effective alarm system for your home.